My Husband Never Dies - Chapter 5

The duke’s slightly wavy black hair fell neatly across his forehead. Beneath it, long, deep-set eyes gleamed with a clear blue like the summer sky, gazing at her with gentle warmth. His straight nose, sharp as if sculpted with care, and the subtle lift of his lips into a soft smile. His looks were, quite literally, breathtaking.

Why hadn’t a man like this married yet? Did he have a hidden mistress somewhere? Not that it had anything to do with Evelyn. Still, it might be amusing to live for a while as the wife of someone like that.

“Evelyn Dalebury.”

She returned his polite greeting as best she could, following the etiquette she’d been taught.

The royal villa’s garden was in full bloom, flowers exploding in color everywhere. She could still recall her relief at not having to endure the hellish winter in Zelakent last fall.

Who would’ve thought she’d one day enjoy the luxury of sipping tea in a flower garden? Honestly, it was good she hadn’t died.

Evelyn lifted the teacup and took a sip just the way she’d been taught. She had a good eye and good control over her body, so mimicking something wasn’t particularly difficult. It was no trouble imitating a noble lady right now.

Just then, a deep voice spoke.

“His Majesty wishes for the wedding to take place before spring ends.”

Evelyn set the cup down and looked bashfully at the man sitting across from her. With talk of marriage in the air, an ordinary young lady would probably act shy.

“Yes, I’ve heard,” she replied.

“Do you know what that means?”

“…Sorry?”

Surprised by the abrupt question, Evelyn looked up at the duke. Without a change in expression, he calmly spoke of a life-altering event.

“It means we could be married as soon as tomorrow.”

A warm breeze stirred the air. Flowers were in full bloom, and the spring wind was soft and gentle… but spring wouldn’t last much longer.

“Let’s choose the earliest possible date.”

Without the slightest hesitation, the duke made the decision, unaware that he might be hastening his own death. Evelyn only nodded silently in response.

* * *

The marriage, hastened by the king’s influence, was arranged in the blink of an eye.

Though the ceremony had been thrown together hastily and lacked grandeur, neither of the marrying parties seemed to care in the slightest.

With no relatives in attendance and only delegates sent by the king, the atmosphere was downright bleak.

“Groom, you may now give the bride the kiss of vow,” intoned the priest in a solemn voice.

At that, the groom gently lifted the veil from the bride’s face. His finely sculpted eyes — like those detailed by a meticulous painter — softened as they turned to her.

Because of his tall frame, Duke Brumfield had to bend at the waist and lower his head to press his lips to Evelyn’s.

It was a beautiful moment. The guests applauded, and a voice filled with admiration rose between the clapping hands.

The bride and groom looked more perfect than anything a stage director could have conjured. Someone even whispered it was like witnessing a masterwork by a renowned artist. Like a scene straight out of a classic painting, they said.

Of all things, the small number of attendees only ensured that rumors about this wedding would ripple endlessly among gossip-hungry circles.

And at last, the day came when Evelyn, now the Duchess of Brumfield, was to depart for the duchy.

Evelyn’s cousin, the First Prince, embraced her as she prepared to leave the palace and spoke in a wistful tone.

“Evelyn, it hasn’t even been that long since we met again… and now you’re leaving so soon.”

For someone who wants her to hurry up and kill the duke, he sure knows how to run his mouth.

Evelyn responded with an awkward smile, one that a naive princess might wear.

The prince turned to the duke, feigning ease, and relayed the king’s words.

“His Majesty asked that you take great care of her. She is precious and dear to us.”

Duke Brumfield looked between the golden-haired cousins with an unreadable gaze before smiling. His gently curving lips and the depth that bloomed in his eyes when he smiled held a charm potent enough to disarm both women and men alike.

Even at the modest wedding ceremony, the beauty of the couple had been the talk of the event. The bride, her golden hair gleaming like sunlight as befitted royalty, and the groom, whose face had never once been seen in public, looked like a painting come to life.

When the two walked down the aisle together, a stunned silence had fallen over the guests.

The enigmatic Duke of Brumfield was now sure to become famous — not for his noble lineage or vast inheritance, but for his breathtaking looks.

Momentarily entranced, the prince lost his words, only to snap out of it with an awkward cough.

“Ahem, ahem.”

The prince, who had appeared calm even in prison, couldn’t hide his embarrassment under the warm sunlight.

His face turned red as he hesitated, like he was facing a being that could seduce humans. He then turned his gaze to Evelyn.

“Do well.”

Not “be well,” but “do well.”

There was no way she didn’t understand what that meant. Evelyn lightly bowed her head, signaling her acknowledgment.